System, method, and computer software code for optimizing performance of a powered system

ABSTRACT

A system to optimize performance of a powered system, the system including a data device configured to provide current information about current operating conditions of the powered system and/or prior information about the powered system, a controller configured to control operation of the powered system, and a processor configured to provide at least one control command to the controller for use in operating the powered system and/or user information with at least one recommended command to a user to control the powered system, wherein the at least one control command and/or user information are based at least in part on the current information and/or the prior information. A system and computer software code, stored on a computer readable media and executable with a processor, are also disclosed.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.61/019,757 filed Jan. 8, 2008, and incorporated herein by reference inits entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to an off-highway vehicle and, more particularly,to control systems for optimizing performance of off-highway vehicles.

Off-highway vehicles (OHV) are used for a plurality of purposes, such asbut not limited to haul truck operations in an open pit surface mine.Such off-highway vehicles, including trolley-connected OHVs and otherlarge traction vehicles, are commonly powered by electric tractionmotors coupled in driving relationship to one or more axles ormotor-wheel sets of the vehicle. In the motoring or traction mode ofoperation, the traction motors are supplied with electric current from acontrollable source of electric power, e.g., an engine-driven tractionalternator/rectifier/inverter combination or, alternatively, a directcurrent drive source including a dc motor without an inverter. Thetraction motors apply torque to the vehicle wheels, which exerttangential force or tractive effort on the surface on which the vehicleis traveling (e.g., a haulage track or road), thereby propelling thevehicle in a desired direction along the right of way.

Conversely, in an electrical (i.e., dynamic) braking mode of operation,the same motors serve as axle-driven/wheel-driven electrical generators.Torque is applied to the motor shafts by their respectively associatedaxle-wheel sets, which then exert braking effort on the surface, therebyretarding or slowing the vehicle's progress. Because there is nosuitable storage medium for the resulting generated electrical energy ina conventional off-highway vehicle or trolley-connected OHV, anelectrically resistive grid (known as a dynamic braking grid or loadbox) is used to convert the electrical energy into heat energy, which isthen vented to the atmosphere.

In contrast, hybrid OHVs and hybrid trolley-connected OHVs have thecapability of storing the generated dynamic braking energy in a suitablestorage element(s), such as batteries, flywheels, ultra-capacitors, andthe like. This stored energy may then be used for traction and/orauxiliary systems in the OHV, thereby improving fuel efficiency.However, regardless of whether an OHV includes power storage elementsand/or energy dissipative elements, such components contribute to theoverall size and weight of the vehicle and thus to the costs of thevehicle. While an operator may be proficient with operating one OHVhaving a particular size and/or weight, the operator's proficiency mayvary OHV to OHV, where the size and/or weight may vary.

Because of differences in OHVs, such as those disclosed above, as wellas the skill level, experience, and/or desire of an operator, the costsof operating the OHV and achieving a specific production level may varygreatly. For example, various tests have shown that fuel burn alone canvary up to fifteen percent (15%) based on the operator alone.Considering the various physical configurations of the OHV, the fuelburn may vary further if the operator was to operate to different OHVsin a similar operating mode.

Owners and/or operators of off-highway vehicles, as well as owners oflocations where such vehicles are used, such as but not limited to openpit mines, would appreciate the financial benefits realized, such as,but not limited to, a lower cost per ton to the mine, a minimization ofburn rate, etc., when optimal OHV operation parameters are utilized,which may further maximize component life of individual components onthe OHV.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a system, method, and acomputer readable media for optimizing performance of a powered system.The system includes a data device configured to provide currentinformation about current operating conditions of the powered systemand/or prior information about the powered system. The system alsoincludes a controller configured to control operation of the poweredsystem. The system further includes a processor configured to provide atleast one control command to the controller for use in operating thepowered system and/or user information with at least one recommendedcommand to a user to control the powered system, wherein the at leastone control command and/or user information are based at least in parton the current information and/or the prior information.

The method includes determining a performance target for a poweredsystem. The method further includes comparing the performance target toan actual operating parameter of the powered system. The method alsoincludes modifying an actual performance of the powered system toachieve the performance target.

The computer software code is stored on a computer readable media and isexecutable with a processor. The computer software code includes acomputer software module for determining a performance target for thepowered system, when executed with the processor. The computer softwarecode further includes a computer software module for comparing theperformance target to an actual operating parameter of the poweredsystem, when executed with the processor. The computer software codealso includes a computer software module for modifying an actualperformance of the powered system to achieve the performance target,when executed with the processor.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more particular description of the invention briefly described abovewill be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof that areillustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawingsdepict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not thereforeto be considered to be limiting of its scope, exemplary embodiments ofthe invention will be described and explained with additionalspecificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings inwhich:

FIG. 1 depicts a flowchart illustrating an exemplary embodiment of amethod for optimizing operation of an off-highway vehicle;

FIG. 2 depicts a block diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment ofoff-highways vehicles obtaining information from each other;

FIG. 3 depicts a block diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment ofelements used in optimizing operation of an off-highway vehicle;

FIG. 4 depicts a block diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of aclosed-loop system for optimizing operation of an off-highway vehicle;and

FIG. 5 depicts an exemplary embodiment of an interface within anoff-highway vehicle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference will now be made in detail to the embodiments consistent withthe invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numerals used throughoutthe drawings refer to the same or like parts.

Though exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described withrespect to off-highway vehicles, exemplary embodiments of the inventionare also applicable for other uses, such as but not limited toagricultural vehicles, transportation vehicles, stationary power plants,and/or marine vessels, each which may use at least one diesel engine, ordiesel internal combustion engine. Towards this end, when discussing aspecified mission, this includes a task or requirement to be performedby the diesel powered system. Therefore, with respect to marine vesselapplications, this may refer to the movement of the system from apresent location to a destination. In the case of stationaryapplications, such as but not limited to a stationary power generatingstation or network of power generating stations, a specified mission mayrefer to an amount of wattage (e.g., MW/hr) or other parameter orrequirement to be satisfied by the diesel powered system. Likewise,operating conditions of the diesel-fueled power generating station mayinclude one or more of speed, load, fueling value, timing, etc.

In one exemplary embodiment involving marine vessels, a plurality oftugs may be operating together where all are moving the same largervessel, where each tug is linked in time to accomplish the mission ofmoving the larger vessel. In another exemplary embodiment, a singlemarine vessel may have a plurality of engines. Off-highway vehicles(OHV) may involve a fleet of vehicles that have a same mission to moveearth, from location “A” to location “B,” where each OHV is linked intime to accomplish the mission. With respect to a stationary powergenerating station, a plurality of stations may be grouped together forcollectively generating power for a specific location and/or purpose. Inanother exemplary embodiment, a single station is provided, but with aplurality of generators making up the single station. In one exemplaryembodiment involving marine vessels, a plurality of diesel poweredsystems may be operating together where all are moving the same largerload, where each system is linked in time to accomplish the mission ofmoving the larger load.

Furthermore, although the powered vehicles and other powered systemsdisclosed herein are usually diesel powered systems, those skilled inthe art will readily recognize that embodiments of the invention mayalso be utilized with non-diesel powered systems, such as, but notlimited to, natural gas powered systems, bio-diesel powered systems,etc. Additionally, such non-diesel powered systems, as well as dieselpowered systems, may include multiple engines, other types of powersources, and/or additional power sources, such as, but not limited to,battery sources, voltage sources (such as but not limited tocapacitors), chemical sources, pressure based sources (such as but notlimited to spring and/or hydraulic expansion), electrical currentsources (such as but not limited to inductors), inertial sources (suchas but not limited to flywheel devices), gravitational-based powersources, and/or thermal-based power sources. Additionally, the powersource may be external, such as, but not limited to, an electricallypowered system, where power is sourced externally from overhead catenarywire, third rail, and/or magnetic levitation coils.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention solve the problems in the art byproviding a system, method, and computer implemented method, such as acomputer software code, for optimizing performance of a powered system,such as but not limited to an off-highway vehicle. Persons skilled inthe art will recognize that an apparatus, such as a data processingsystem, including a CPU, memory, I/O, program storage, a connecting bus,and other appropriate components, could be programmed or otherwisedesigned to facilitate the practice of the method of the invention. Sucha system would include appropriate program means for executing themethod of the invention.

Also, an article of manufacture, such as a pre-recorded disk or othersimilar computer program product, for use with a data processing system,could include a storage medium and program means recorded thereon fordirecting the data processing system to facilitate the practice of themethod of the invention. Such apparatus and articles of manufacture alsofall within the spirit and scope of the invention.

Broadly speaking, a technical effect is to optimize performance of apowered system. To facilitate an understanding of the exemplaryembodiments of the invention, it is described hereinafter with referenceto specific implementations thereof. Exemplary embodiments of theinvention may be described in the general context of computer-executableinstructions, such as program modules, being executed by any device,such as but not limited to a computer, designed to accept data, performprescribed mathematical and/or logical operations usually at high speed,where results of such operations may or may not be displayed. Generally,program modules include routines, programs, objects, components, datastructures, etc. that performs particular tasks or implement particularabstract data types. For example, the software programs that underlieexemplary embodiments of the invention can be coded in differentprogramming languages, for use with different devices, or platforms. Inthe description that follows, examples of the invention may be describedin the context of a web portal that employs a web browser. It will beappreciated, however, that the principles that underlie exemplaryembodiments of the invention can be implemented with other types ofcomputer software technologies as well.

Moreover, those skilled in the art will appreciate that exemplaryembodiments of the invention may be practiced with other computer systemconfigurations, including hand-held devices, multiprocessor systems,microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics,minicomputers, mainframe computers, and the like. Exemplary embodimentsof the invention may also be practiced in distributed computingenvironments where tasks are performed by remote processing devices thatare linked through a communications network. In a distributed computingenvironment, program modules may be located in both local and remotecomputer storage media including memory storage devices. These local andremote computing environments may be contained entirely within thepowered system, or an adjacent powered system in a consist, or off-boardin a wayside device or central offices where wireless communication isused.

In this document the term “OHV consist” or “off-highway vehicle consist”is used. As used herein, an OHV consist may be described as having oneor more OHVs operating with a trolley in succession, connected togetherso as to provide motoring capability. Specifically, there can be a leadconsist and more than one remote consists. Each OHV consist may have afirst OHV and a trail OHV(s), or a trolley at the lead. Furthermore, theterm “consist” should be not be considered a limiting factor whendiscussing multiple OHVs connected together. An OHV consist may relateto a plurality of OHVs operating together where certain physical spacingis expected between each OHV in view of a first location when minedmaterial is placed on each OHV and a second location where the minedmaterial is removed from each OHV.

As disclosed herein, a consist may also be applicable when referring toother diesel powered systems such as, but not limited to, agriculturalvehicles, transportation vehicles, stationary power plants, and/ormarine propulsion vessels, that operate together so as to providemotoring, power generation, and/or braking capability. Therefore, eventhough “OHV consist” is used herein, this term may also apply to otherdiesel powered systems. Similarly, sub-consists may exist. For example,the diesel powered system may have more than one diesel-fueled powergenerating unit. For example, a power plant may have more than onediesel electric power unit, where optimization may be at the sub-consistlevel. Likewise, an OHV may have more than one diesel power unit.

Referring now to the drawings, embodiments of the present invention willbe described. Exemplary embodiments of the invention can be implementedin numerous ways, including as a system (including a computer processingsystem), a method (including a computerized method), an apparatus, acomputer readable medium, a computer program product, a graphical userinterface, including a web portal, or a data structure tangibly fixed ina computer readable memory. Several embodiments of the invention arediscussed below.

FIG. 1 depicts a flowchart illustrating an exemplary embodiment of amethod for optimizing operation of an off-highway vehicle. A performancetarget for the OHV is determined, at 10, in the flowchart 5. Theperformance target may be based on a wait time at a station, typicallyreferred to as “time at dump and shovel.” Those skilled in the art willrecognize that the wait time may be a delay time between at least twofunctions performed by the powered system, A station may include alocation where mined material is loaded, or shoveled, onto the OHVand/or a location where the mined material is removed, or dumped, fromthe OHV. The productivity rate of the OHV may also be considered, e.g.,cycles per hour and/or tons hauled per hour. Although dumping andshoveling is disclosed, with respect to other powered systems disclosedherein, those skilled in the art will recognize that dumping andshoveling may be identified as functions being performed by the poweredsystem.

The performance target may further be determined by operating behaviorand/or statistics, or statistical information, of the OHV. For example,a propel braking duty cycle and/or a braking time may be compared tohistorical data regarding these factors. In another exemplaryembodiment, a performance target may be determined by a physicalposition of the OHV in comparison to other OHVs. The distance may bedetermined by, e.g., a dispatch system, a wayside marker to vehiclemeasurement, and/or a direct OHV to OHV measurement. The minimumdistance to a next OHV, time to the next OHV, and/or OHV spacing on haulroute can be controlled. Equally spacing at least two OHVs on haulcycles has the potential of reducing accident risk. This is especiallyimportant in mines that have sections of roads that only support asingle lane of traffic. Though the term “haul cycle” is discussed hereinspecific to OHV operations, this term may also relate to a cyclespecific to the other powered systems disclosed herein. For example, thehaul cycle may relate to a segment of a mission or the time the poweredsystem leave and then returns to a specific location, where it may leavethe specific location to transport material and/or living entities.

The performance target may further be determined by environmentalconditions. Environmental conditions may include weather conditions,such as but not limited to fog conditions, precipitation conditions, andwhether a surface the OHV travels on is slippery (e.g., wheel tractionis deemed to be below a designated level). Additionally OHV operatingconditions, such as but not limited to degraded operating modes, mayalso be considered. The degraded operating modes may include both OHVdegraded operating modes, such as but not limited to an overheatedengine, and degraded environmental conditions, such as but not limitedto a degraded road traversed by the OHV between at least two stations.

A comparison of the performance target of the OHV to an actual operatingparameter of the OHV is performed, at 12. If there is a differencebetween the performance target and the operating parameter, amodification is made to the actual performance of the OHV to achieve theperformance target of the OHV, at 14. This may be accomplished byadjusting horsepower by either limiting the maximum horsepower producedand/or scaling back the horsepower produced by a gradual percentageuntil the target performance is met. If the horsepower is too low, itmay be boosted. The horsepower may also be boosted to meet theperformance target when environmental conditions are not ideal. Forexample, the horsepower of the OHV may be boosted to traverse a softspot on the ground on which the OHV is traveling so that momentum is notlost.

Modifying performance may also be accomplished by reducing the speed ofthe OHV, such as but not limited to limiting maximum speed and/orreducing OHV speed over an entire haul cycle. A dynamic OHV speed limitmay be compared to a position of the OHV in the haul cycle. For example,when controlled by an operator, the horsepower and OHV speed may becontrolled by informing the operator of a target speed and allowing theoperator to keep full control of the vehicle. When horsepower and speedare controlled by an autonomous controller, as illustrated in FIG. 3,the autonomous controller commands the operation of the OHV.

In another exemplary embodiment, the modification to the OHV performanceis accomplished based on learning a haul cycle of the OHV. Morespecifically, information about a prior haul cycle is gathered, oraccessed, and a determination about at least one parameter for a new orcurrent haul cycle is made based on the prior haul cycle, at 16.Subsequently, the OHV is controlled during the new, current, or asubsequent haul cycle based in part on the parameter. The haul cycle maybe learned based on operational history, such as, but not limited to,averaged or weighted data based on past haul cycles. Using thisinformation may allow for a slow change of route. In another example,the haul cycle may be indexed against time and/or position. Positionand/or time may be integrated from speed based from hard points ofshovel and dump. Additionally the difference between a left wheel on theOHV and a right wheel on the OHV may be used to estimate curvature ofthe road which can be used to identify a haul profile, which may be usedto further optimize the performance of the OHV. Other information thatmay be used to learn the haul cycle may include stop points and/or fixedwayside points, changes in surface grade and how the OHV performs whenthe grade is changed, utilization of GPS coordinates, etc.

The haul cycle may also be defined based on a deviation from historicalcycle information. For example, multiple stored cycle information may beselected based on correlation to present operations. The current haulcycle may be selected from a set of possible cycles based on operatorand/or dispatch system input.

Those skilled in the art will readily recognize that the flowchart 5 maybe implemented with a computer software code that is storable oncomputer media and is operatable with a processor 20, disclosed indetail below, where particular elements in the flowchart 5 areimplemented with computer software modules. More specifically, thecomputer software code includes a computer software module fordetermining a performance target for the powered system, when executedwith the processor. Also included is a computer software module forcomparing the performance target to an actual operating parameter of thepowered system, when executed with the processor. A computer softwaremodule is also included for modifying an actual performance of thepowered system to achieve the performance target, when executed with theprocessor. The computer software code also includes a computer softwaremodule for gathering information about at least one function of thepowered system and determining at least one parameter for a newperformance of the at least one function based on a prior performance ofthe at least one function, when executed with the processor. Withrespect to an OHV, the at least one function may be associated with ahaul cycle.

By using the exemplary embodiments disclosed above, improved performanceof a fleet of powered systems may be realized. For example, with respectto a fleet of OHVs at a mine site, reduced fuel burned, minimizingcollisions, etc., may be improved. Such improvements are furtherpossible by using information or feedback from other powered systems inthe same vicinity. The type of feedback is not limited, but it mayinclude performance information from the other OHVs working the samemine. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the performance target may be based oninformation obtained from the other powered system in the same vicinity.For example, if two OHVs are following each other, a performance targetfrom the lead OHV 17 is communicated, wirelessly, to the trailing OHV18. In other exemplary embodiment, if a wayside device 19 is passed on aroute, the lead OHV 17 may provide the performance target to the waysidedevice 19, which in turn transmits the information to the trailing OHV18 when the trailing OHV 18 is within communication range of the waysidedevice 19. To facilitate this operation, a communication device 27 is oneach OHV 17, 18, and/or the wayside device 19. Those skilled in the artwill readily recognize that more than two powered systems may beutilized to provide the performance target for a specific poweredsystem.

FIG. 3 depicts a block diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of asystem used in optimizing operations of an off-highway vehicle. Thesystem includes a processor 20. Software 25 (computer-readableinstructions) is operable with the processor. The processor 20 andsoftware 25 may be used to determine a performance target for the OHV.Data and/or information are provided to the processor, and hence to thesoftware 25, through a data device 21. The data device 21 may include aplurality of devices such as, but not limited to, sensors located on theOHV, the mine dispatch system, and/or a database that retains historicaloperating information. The processor 20 and software 25 may also be usedto compare the performance target for the OHV to an actual operatingparameter of the OHV, and to modify the actual performance of the OHV toachieve the performance target for the OHV. In one exemplary embodiment,the results realized from modifying the actual performance to achievethe performance target is communicated to the operator by way of aninterface 22, or display, as disclosed below with respect to FIG. 5. Inanother exemplary embodiment, the results are provided to an autonomouscontroller 24, as disclosed above, which in turn provides commandsignals to controls 26 the OHV 17. More specifically, when thecomputer-readable instructions in the software 25 are executed by theprocessor 20, the processor 20 is able to provide commands to thecontroller 24 to use in operating the off-highway vehicle and/orcommands to an operator aboard the off-highway vehicle through theinterface 22.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention may influence performance and/orspeed, such as but not limited to boost, limit or provide target speedto minimize fuel burn and operating cost while maximizing componentlife. This may be as simple as dynamically lowering horsepower if waittime at either end of the haul, shovel, or dump, exceed a target. Asdisclosed above, it may be as complex as controlling spacing of the OHVsor defining a specific target speed profile for the entire haul cycle tominimize energy use. Exemplary embodiments of the invention are flexibleso that many different inputs may be utilized. Example inputs includesimple operation history available locally to the propulsion controller,interaction with a mine dispatch system, and/or autonomous OHVcontroller information. Exemplary embodiments of the invention mayeither actively control the speed and/or horsepower of the OHV, and/orinfluence a driver's operation with target speed annunciation. Towardsthis end, an exemplary embodiment of the invention may be used touniformly space a plurality of OHVs and/or ultimately control a rate ofmine output.

FIG. 4 depicts an exemplary embodiment of a closed-loop system foroptimizing operation of an off-highway vehicle. As disclosed,information from the data device 21 is collected from an OHV 17 and isprovided to the processor 20, which in turn provides the information tothe software 25. When a new operation setting is determined, it isprovided to the controller 24. If the controller 24 is configured tooperate the OHV 17, the controller 24 will implement the new operationsetting. If the controller 24 is not configured to operate the OHV 17,the new operation setting is provided to an operator such as, but notlimited to, through the interface 22. A decision gate 23 is shown toidentify where this decision is made. The operator can use the interface22 to provide commands to the OHV 17. When the controller is operatingthe OHV 17, the OHV 17 and/or the controller 24 can provide informationabout the operation settings to the operator through the interface 22.Though FIG. 4 depicts an exemplary embodiment of a closed-loopconfiguration, those skilled in the art will readily recognize thatother closed-loop configurations are possible.

FIG. 5 depicts an exemplary embodiment of an interface within anoff-highway vehicle. Those skilled in the art will readily recognizethat the flowchart 5 disclosed in FIG. 1 may be implemented eitherautonomously, more specifically with little to no operator interface,and/or with operator interface where the method disclosed above is usedto provide recommendations to the operator. Where recommendations areprovided to the operator, an interface 22 must be provided to theoperator. In an exemplary embodiment, the interface 22 provides theoperator with information, through visual indicators, about at least oneof speed at a first visual indicator 32 (actual and/or target speed),future speed targets at a second visual indicator 33, and/oracceleration/deceleration requirements at a third visual indicator 34.

Since operators of OHVs, such as but not limited to mine truck drivers,must concentrate on the road and the surrounding environment, minimumvisualization of the interface is preferred. Towards this end,information may be communicated to the operator through visualindicators 32, 33, 34 as well as audile indicators 35. For example,visual information may include a target speed compared with actual speed(including speed targets) in a form of a digital display and/or graph,such as but not limited to a line graph versus time. Additionally,acceleration requirements to achieve the target speed may be displayedin the form of arrows of various lengths. In another exemplaryembodiment, acceleration/deceleration requirements may be presentedaudibly in the form of beeps that increase in frequency as the operatordeviates from the target speed. Information provided audibly may occurthrough speakers 35 and/or through a speaker headset worn by theoperator. The speaker headset may be wired and/or wireless.

In another exemplary embodiment, information may be communicated througha physical touch. For example, instead of acceleration/decelerationrequirements being presented audibly, an electrical current applied to askin area of the operator may be used. An attachment 36 is provided forconnection to the operator. In an exemplary embodiment, the electricalcurrent applied to the skin area may only be used when decelerationrequirements must be communicated but only when the audible indicatorsare ignored and where failure to decelerate may result in a dangerousoperating condition. Other options include providing tactile feedbackthrough operator controls.

While the invention has been described herein with reference to variousexemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the artthat various changes, omissions and/or additions may be made andequivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departingfrom the spirit and scope of the invention. In addition, manymodifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material tothe teachings of the invention without departing from the scope thereof.Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to theparticular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated forcarrying out this invention, but that the invention will include allembodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover,unless specifically stated any use of the terms first, second, etc., donot denote any order or importance, but rather the terms first, second,etc., are used to distinguish one element from another.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system to modify performance of a mining haultruck, the system comprising: a data device configured to providecurrent information about current operating conditions of the mininghaul truck and prior information obtained from at least one prior haulcycle and based on learning the haul cycle of the mining haul truck; acontroller configured to control operation of the mining haul truck; anda processor configured to provide at least one control command to thecontroller for use in operating the mining haul truck and/or userinformation with at least one recommended command to a user to controlthe mining haul truck, wherein the at least one control command and/oruser information are based at least in part on the current informationand the prior information, wherein the processor is configured to obtainprior information about the at least one prior haul cycle of the mininghaul truck and determine at least one parameter for at least one currenthaul cycle based on the obtained information about the at least oneprior haul cycle, wherein the at least one parameter is used forcontrolling the mining haul truck during the at least one current haulcycle.
 2. The system according to claim 1, further comprising aninterface configured to receive the at least one recommended commandfrom the processor and to convey the at least one recommended command tothe user using vision, sound, and/or touch.
 3. The system according toclaim 1, wherein the data device is configured to collect data from themining haul truck, information from a dispatch, information about atleast one environmental condition, and/or information contained in adatabase having historical operating information.
 4. The systemaccording to claim 1, wherein the processor is configured to compare aperformance target for the mining haul truck to an actual operatingparameter of the mining haul truck, and, based on a difference betweenthe target and actual operating parameter, to provide the at least onecontrol command to the controller for operating the mining haul truck tomeet the performance target.
 5. The system according to claim 1, whereinat least one of the processor, the data device, or the controller arefurther configured to determine an operating cycle of the mining haultruck, wherein the operating cycle is used to determine a currentoperating parameter of the mining haul truck.
 6. The system according toclaim 1, wherein the controller, the processor, and the data device areconfigured in a closed-loop configuration through which the mining haultruck is controlled.
 7. The system according to claim 6, wherein theclosed-loop configuration further comprises an interface to allow theoperator to control the mining haul truck.
 8. A computer software codestored on a computer readable media and executable with a processor formodifying performance of a mining haul truck, the computer software codecomprising: a computer software module for determining a performancetarget for the mining haul truck, when executed with the processor; acomputer software module for comparing the performance target to anactual operating parameter of the mining haul truck, when executed withthe processor; a computer software module for modifying an actualperformance of the mining haul truck to achieve the performance target,when executed with the processor; and a computer software module forobtaining information from at least one prior haul cycle of the mininghaul truck based on learning the haul cycle of the mining haul truck anddetermining at least one parameter for at least one current haul cyclebased on the obtained information about the prior haul cycle, whereinthe at least one parameter is used for controlling the mining haul truckduring the at least one current, haul cycle.
 9. The computer softwarecode according to claim 8, further comprising a computer software modulefor adjusting the actual performance of the mining haul truck tocompensate for at least one environmental condition, when executed withthe processor.